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A frequently asked question by potential applicants is, “Do I need any attorney to apply for the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program?” 

The answer is that you are not required to have an attorney assist you in completing this application. In addition, USDA and the program administrators have worked to make sure free technical assistance is available to anyone who wishes to apply.

If you do choose to use an attorney, please note that you will be responsible for paying any attorneys’ fees. The law that created this financial assistance program – Section 22007 of the Inflation Reduction Act – does not provide for attorneys’ fees, and no attorneys’ fees will be paid to you or your counsel by USDA or any other agency or department of the United States. The total amount of financial assistance will not be increased for you to cover any attorneys’ fees or costs. USDA and the program administrators will not encourage or discourage retaining counsel or retaining a specific attorney or law firm. However, if you decide to consult an attorney, you are advised to consult with licensed attorneys. 

An extensive Q&A is available on the program website here.

The program call center (1-800-721-0970) is also available from 8 a.m. ET to 8 p.m. PT, every day except federal holidays to answer questions.

The Columbus Times (Georgia)

Georgia, Alabama farmers are applying for up to $500,000 financial assistance in the USDA's $2.2B Discrimination Financial Assistance Program

“The extension of the DFAP application deadline to January 13, 2024, is a crucial step in ensuring that farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners receive the support they need. We want to stress that the application is free to submit, and free technical assistance is available to help people through the process," said Myles B. Caggins III, Eastern Region spokesman for the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program and Windsor Group LLC. 

“We make the emphasis that the technical assistance provided is free,” Caggins said. “In the history of discrimination, there have been class action suits, where… attorneys have come in and helped people file to be part of those suits. And some of the arrangements have just taken so much money from the farmers.”

Local Office Opening

As part of an effort to reach as many agricultural producers as possible who may be eligible for the program, local brick-and-mortar offices are being opened across the country to ensure easy access and personalized assistance. A new office is now open in Louisiana.

Louisiana Office 

5367 I-49 S. Service Rd. 

Opelousas, LA 70570 

(Now open) 

The offices are one part of a comprehensive outreach process that is designed so that farmers and ranchers have multiple options to gain assistance at no cost. Producers also have the option to file applications online at 22007apply.gov, by mail, or by turning in applications at the brick-and-mortar offices.

Visit the program website to find your nearest local office.

The 49th Annual American

Agri-Women Convention 

Each year in November, American Agri-Women hosts a National Convention to bring members and affiliate members together for leadership and professional development sessions, speakers, and to host our annual business meeting. DFAP staff will be present to provide program information and answer questions.

November 1-5, 2023 

Sacramento, California